I would suggest that if you feel, despite the assurances of the mother, that
the children are at risk you should at least inform the Social Services of
the situation.
They will have a decision to take in respect of what action is appropriate.
Charlie Fee
-----Original Message-----
From: Accident and Emergency Academic List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Adrian Boyle
Sent: 29 January 2004 10:55
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: A difficult ethical scenario
I wonder if I could canvas the list's opinions on the following scenario.
A women attends after being assaulted by her husband. You find that she has
small children at home. You ask her if the children are at risk of violence.
She says not. You know that there is an increased risk of violence to her
children because she has been assaulted. After appropriate advice she is
discharged home. She declines to involve the police.
1. Should you inform social services about the risk to the child?
You decide to inform social services about the risk to the child. Social
services 'phone back and want to know about the case and the mother's
presenting complaint. You know that you cannot give information about a
patient to an outside agency without that patient's consent except in
exceptional circumstances. This woman has capacity. The woman refuses to
give consent for release of information.
2. Is it appropriate to overide her consent and give information to Social
services?
I would be very interested to know what the list thinks about this.
Adrian
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
|